Nalini Rau, Ph.D.

Classical Dance, Story Telling, Poetry

Photo credit: Rob Reynolds

Dr. Nalini Rau is a leading dancer and choreographer of Bharatanatyam in New York.  Dr. Rau explores contemporary issues melding theater, dance and poetry. Since 1993, she has delighted in her roles as a director, teacher and story teller to students in Natya Anubhava Academy.

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Website: nalinirau.com

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Nancy Egol Nikkal

Collage and Painting

My work is described as lyrical abstraction. My primary studio practice is mixed media collage with painting, drawing, printmaking and found paper media. My work is tactile and about the sense of touch. I see and feel the ways papers and paint are in relationship and balance each other with subtle tension, see two recent series – Curvy Geometric and Metro.

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Website: nikkal.com

Blog: The Art of Collage   

Instagram: nancynikkal_artist

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Nancy Tucker

 Composer. Lyricist. Guitarist. Humorist. 

Nancy Tucker is a gifted musician who “inhabits an off-beat alternative universe that inspires music to tumble into riotous abandon” says the Los Angeles Times. Her delightful spontaneity honors the playful side in each of us and offers a pathway for rediscovering the jubilance of life.

She is an accomplished guitarist, composer, lyricist and humorist with a lifelong career of live performance and recording for both children and adults.  Her music features melodic finger-style compositions, inventive percussion-isms, moving string-quartets and lyrical ingenuity. Her recognitions include: A Gold Parents’ Choice Award, Grand Prize Winner/Connecticut Comedy Festival, Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award/Connecticut Song Writers Association.

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Website: nancytucker

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Naomi Teppich

Ceramic Mixed Media Sculptures, Ferro-Cement Sculptures

Looking at plants, shells, sea creatures, fungi, bark, and cacti inspire my art. I build small to medium-sized ceramic mixed media sculptures, and also large public ferro-cement sculptures. My materials for these large shell sculptures are stoneware fired in several different kilns. I use hand and electric tools to design my works. My pieces are filled with textures, glazes, and clay colors.
My surrounding environment inspires my ideas. I am influenced by rural settings and observations from my travels. The challenge of almost duplicating these organic forms that I find in nature or in photos is enjoyable for me.

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Website: naomiteppichsculpt.com

Instagram: ntsculpt2016

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Nazanin Hedayat Munroe, M.F.A. Ph.D.

Textile Artist, Art Historian

Although I’ve been a textile artist my whole career, I am also a storyteller. Inspired by the Persian poets of my ancestry, my own work is often in conversation with literary characters, who were sometimes depicted on garments. Exploring and reinterpreting the application of Persian motifs and themes, I work with garments as a metaphor of the human condition. The handmade textiles are patterned with historical iconography and Sufi poetry using manual and digital techniques, juxtaposing ancient and modern processes. Garments are photographed or videoed to create a personal narrative, and often displayed within panels creating an enclosed space, representing the mind of the wearer.

I invite viewers into the space, so they can contribute to the work by sharing their own story. Relating to the theme presented in each work, viewers add flowers to paper gardens, write letters to fourteenth century poets, or color textile motifs to add to a collective work accompanying my own. Themes range from love and marriage, to pathfinding and mystic contemplation. Although the references in the work are specific and historically grounded, I strive for the messages to be universal and accessible to viewers.

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Niki Ketchman

Sculpture, Inkjet Prints, Drawings, Paintings

I have had many one person exhibitions including at The Katonah Museum, The New Britain Museum of American Art and the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park. My work has been reviewed in many publications including the New York Times, Art in America and Sculpture Magazine. The collections at the New Britain Museum of American Art, The DeCordova Museum, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, to name a few, include my work.

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Website: nikiketchman.com

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Norma Greenwood

Oil Painting, Collage, Watercolor

Looking at plants, shells, sea creatures, fungi, bark, and cacti inspire my art. I build small to medium-sized ceramic mixed media sculptures, and also large public ferro-cement sculptures. My materials for these large shell sculptures are stoneware fired in several different kilns. I use hand and electric tools to design my works. My pieces are filled with textures, glazes, and clay colors.
My surrounding environment inspires my ideas. I am influenced by rural settings and observations from my travels. The challenge of almost duplicating these organic forms that I find in nature or in photos is enjoyable for me.

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Websites: normagreenwood.com, nyartistscircle.com, bricartsmedia.org

Instagram: normagreenwoodart

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Osiris Munir

Multi-Medium Including Oil, Acrylic, Pen, Pencil, Crayon, Markers and Ink

When there is a canvas, piece of wood, brick, or even flat paper, it feels as though I am touching a living breathing entity. When I close my eyes, I see a plethora of color, patterns, and designs while moving my hands simultaneously. Using pencils, pens, markers and both acrylic and oil, (with a preference for oil) I simply move brushes, palette knives, and at times fingers, based on the sensation that I feel through my fingers and the colors that I see with my eyes. Usually a piece will come to life once my hands touch a surface.
I am always inspired by what others see, feel, or experience upon viewing my work.

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Websites: expressinabstract, ankhentertainmentone     

Instagram: Express in Abstract

Youtube: AnkhEntertainment

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Pam Smilow

Mixed Media on Canvas or Paper, Printmaking (Linocut, Monoprint)

I have always had trouble writing about my art. I can say it much better in paint. I can, though, describe my process, which I consider close to that of a jazz musician improvising. I do not hear a symphony in my head and then put it down. Instead, I build on every stroke I do, starting with the gesso and building up layer after layer after that. My surfaces are defined by and reflect the thickness of that build up. For my vocabulary, I draw heavily on childhood memories, on many personal experiences throughout the years, and my travels. Nature continues to be one of my biggest inspirations.

When I make a painting, I seek to create a little piece of beauty and a refuge from our busy and chaotic lives, an inspiration to bring a little bit of joy into the universe through color, composition and content. I see each piece of my work as one step on a continuum, each painting not precious unto itself but as an ongoing journey. I consider myself very lucky to get up every day and enjoy what I do.

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Website: pamelasmilow.com

In Other Words essay: The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow

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Pamela Benham

Acrylic on Canvas, Ink and Charcoal on Paper

Pamela Benham studied painting in New York City at the Art Students’ League under a Ford Foundation Grant and a Reginald Marsh Scholarship, and she graduated from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art with a BFA. Moving to Paris, she studied at the Ecolé des Beaux-Arts for two years with Pierre Carron. Other influential teachers were Robert Beverly Hale, Wolf Kahn, Dory Ashton, Paul Resika, Leland Bell and Stephen Posen.

Benham is a recipient of an ARTIST SPACE Grant and an Adolph Gottlieb Foundation Grant. She was also awarded artist-in-residencies at the Skowhegan School in Maine, Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, Parson’s Altos de Chavon in the Dominican Republic, and Colgate University in Hamilton, NY.

She has exhibited internationally in museums and galleries and has had over twenty solo exhibitions in galleries in New YorkShe has now established her West Coast painting studio, the Art House Studio, in Santa Barbara, California.

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Website: pamelabenham.com 

Instagram: pamelabenham1

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Paola Bari

Overglaze on Porcelain, Ceramic

After ending her technical career, Paola devoted her time to porcelain painting. Paola learned to love ceramics as a young girl in Italy and traveled all over to learn different techniques. Born in Italy, Paola worked for IBM in Milano until 1996, when she crossed the Atlantic. Paola's porcelain works appeared in exhibitions at prestigious galleries, including Denise Bibro Fine Art Gallery, Byrdcliffe Barn Pottery, and James Cox Gallery, in NY. Paola is a member and a certified artist with the International-Porcelain-Artists-and-Teachers. After concluding her career with IBM Paola has been dedicating her time to conservation. She is currently a trustee of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, located in Namibia.

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Website: paolabari.com

Instagram: pbaristudio

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Patricia Espinosa 

Installation, Performance, Drawing, Mixed Media, Video

I am a socially engaged interdisciplinary artist.  Born and raised in Mexico City, I was nourished by the vibrancy, passion and joie de vivre of Mexican culture. In my artwork, I approach social issues through my personal lens, cultural narrative, and daily ordinary life awareness.

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Central to my practice is the concept of active participation. My process and performances become an act of making the work. I explore the physical qualities of unconventional materials I work with — recycled packaging, toys and everyday household items — removing them from their original or assigned purpose. I simplify, make subtle transformations and create new meanings.

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Website: patriciaespinosa.com   

Instagram: espiarte

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Patricia Stuart

Acrylic, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Inks, Oil, Colored Pencil, and Fibers

Being raised by immigrants has taught me the value of life and people. Art allows me to express what's important to me. I'm inspired to paint the faces of African American women, men, and children because they are so essential to our world! My art is uniquely inspired by my own personal story, and the stories told to me by my grandmother. I enjoy using color and design as a way to bring strength and dignity to my subject. My art evokes hope, strength, and it will make you think, and it may even make you smile.

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Website: patriciastuartoriginals.com 

Instagram: artist_patricia_stuart

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Pauline Chernichaw

Painting and Photography

Born in post WWII Germany, Pauline Chernichaw grew up in New York City. Coming from an extended family of creatives that included filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, she developed a passion for art at a very young age.

After studying painting at the University of Miami and Brooklyn College, Pauline Chernichaw continued her studies at the International Center of Photography and New York University where she expanded her artistic vision to encompass photography. Her works are included in private and permanent collections.

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Website: paulinechernichaw.com  

YouTube: Rapport, Ceres Gallery Director Stefeny Benson on Pauline Chernichaw, Breaking Surface Art Exhibit           Instagram: paulinechernichaw

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Phil Wiggins

Musician, Writer

Blues harmonica player Phil Wiggins is a 2017 National Heritage Fellow and multiple W.C. Handy blues award winner. With more than 40-years experience, including a dozen critically acclaimed albums (Flying Fish and Alligator Records, among others) he has appeared in numerous films and staged productions. Phil’s credentials as harmonica player, songwriter and bandleader have been honed over more than 40 years of playing with some of the greatest names in the blues. He spent 32 years in the great Piedmont blues duo of Cephas & Wiggins. He has performed on every continent except Antarctica; and, in the White House, Carnegie Hall, Prince Albert Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Sydney Opera House. He is co-author of the book ‘Sweet Bitter Blues– Washington DC’s Homemade Blues’ with the Hammond Museum contributing writer Frank Matheis.

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Websites:  philwiggins.com,  sweetbitterblues.com

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Piedmont Blūz

Valerie Turner: Guitar, Vocals; Benedict Turner: Washboard, Harmonica, Bones

Valerie and Benedict Turner are ambassadors of Country Blues music and the Piedmont style of fingerpicking. The mission of this husband/wife duo is to help preserve these rural, east coast, African American traditions by educating audiences through musical entertainment. The husband and wife duo are much loved wherever they go. They feel that there are stories to tell, people to remember, and things that must be said. So in addition to tickling your ears with delightful music, Piedmont Blūz weaves a bit of history into the presentation of each song. When asked about the authenticity of their music, the duo will quickly tell you, “We're not trying to preserve songs note for note or word for word. And we're not trying to sound like the original artists either, because that's already been done! We approach each piece from our own perspective and have no qualms about changing lyrics or melodies to suit ourselves. Music is supposed to evolve and, even though we are helping to preserve it, we think we should also have the freedom to infuse it with our own personalities.”

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Website: piedmontbluz.com

Digital Venue: piedmontbluzcafe

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Poet Gold

Poet, Author, Performer, Songwriter, Community “Artivist” and Speaker

A rare talent who grabs you by the heart and says “Recognize” – Bettina “Poet Gold” Wilkerson is pushing the boundaries of poetry and the spoken word. Living with a chronic illness since childhood, Poet Gold, or as she is affectionately known as “Gold”, brings a soul-searching insight about the human existence, love, dreams, challenges, and triumph.

Appointed the 2017 and 2018 NYS Dutchess County Poet Laureate, Poet Gold is the recipient of numerous awards. With countless recitations, she has opened for Grammy-nominated artists and has spoken at renowned organizations such as Omega Institute and Self Employment in the Arts.

Poet Gold’s speaking engagements and non-traditional poetry workshops engage audiences in understanding the direct connection between literacy, goal setting, and the achievement of their dreams. Presently she is the co-host for the iHeart Radio podcast “Finding Out with Pete and The Poet Gold”. Her distinct voice will be heard, playing the role of God, in the upcoming animated short film “The Creation” poem by James Weldon Johnson, directed by award winning animated film maker, Steve Leeper.

Poet Gold is an activist of the heart. Her words inspire to explore the essence of humanity.

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Instagram: _poetgold_

Podcasts: iheart.com/podcast/481-peter-and-the-poet-gold-

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Prem Singh

Oil on Canvas

Art for me is one of the vital means of seeking relationship with the people . My paintings reflect on playful , and prayerful , moments that I experience through my dialogue with the manifest and the unmanifest in Nature . What I seek in my artistic expressions is silent activity not easily discernible to the eye but can be experienced in contemplations . In such moments  of creativity my whole being is transformed into a plant that grows every minute by remaining firmly rooted to the soil . This feel of eternity and silent activity gives wings to my imagination . And that inspires me to tune the rhythmic visual voice and its subtle nuances in consonance with my heart beat . An organic feel of the silent activity of nature , intensive chirping of the birds in the low light of morning and evening , the transcendental music of light  - all this and much more is an integral part of my creative quest ..

It is my humble accept at ‘ grasping ‘ joy and life as they fly 

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Website: canvasview.com

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Priscilla Stadler

Drawing, Mixed Media, Installation, Community Engagement

My creative explorations take many forms: making buildings from cheesecloth, envisioning underground networks between fungi and tree roots, or designing open-ended dialogues as starting points for reflection and community activism. Throughout these works, I'm investigating and envisioning structures of connectedness - sometimes among humans, and sometimes among trees.

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Website: priscillastadler.com 

Instagram: priscillastudio

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Priya Tambe

Mixed Media (Encaustic Painting and Paper Sculpture)

I am inspired by natural imagery to create work that is beautiful and timeless; that is both familiar and mysterious at the same time; that evokes imagination, passion, and awe. Through my art, I seek to uncover the deepest emotions in people and their interaction with the natural environment.

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Website: priyatambe.com

In Other Words essay: Priya Tambe’s Portal of Nature

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Regina Silvers

Watercolor, Pen & Ink, Oil, Acrylic, Oil Stick, Gouache, Graphite, Colored Pencil, Charcoal, Pastel, Crayon

Like a visual diary,  my work naturally follows my interests and concerns. I have always loved to draw, and my larger studio work is based on my in-situ sketches - i.e. at a jazz jam session, or from photos I take at a political rally.  

Painting rapidly, I make many large studies to arrive at the dynamic I seek. I bear witness, to capture the mood, intent, and energy of a situation or place, encouraging the viewer to share, and identify with, my experience.  My political work is especially gratifying, enabling me to address and express my aesthetic and social concerns.

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Websites: ReginaSilvers.com, nyartistscircle.com, Saatchiart.com

Instagram: regisilvers2

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Rita Leppiniemi

Mixed Media, such as Photo, Video, Animation, Text and Sound

Rita Leppiniemi is an active and dedicated visual artist, living in Helsink, Finland. She is interested in new and experimental art forms and she has been arranging and co-producing various projects and events. She is using different media in order to explore the relationship between reality and fiction.

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Websites: leppiniemi.net  leppiniemi.net/portfolio

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Riva Weinstein

Installation, Performance, Mixed Media Assemblage

I walk. I find. I make. I make meaning. Using found and collected materials, I create site specific performances and installations that contemplate and celebrate life to engender intimate appreciation for the natural world. My artistic practice is grounded in walking. The number 18 and the circle form – symbols of life - are fulcrums for my work.

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Website: rivaweinstein.com

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Robin Kline

Ceramics

Clay has a life of its own and I love to interact with its vitality, striving to maintain a sense process in the finished pieces.

Challenged to describe my work in five adjectives I arrived at these: 1-Function - the work is meant to be used. 2-Instinctive - coming from within me in an instinctive way. 3-Organic - relating to natural patterns and biologic rhythms. 4-Exuberant - full of joyous enthusiasm to reflect the I feel in making them. 5-Audacious - I fearlessly take chances in making my pottery. I hope each piece reflects that verve and originality.

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Website: klineware.com

Instagram: klineware829

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Rosalind Schneider

Digital/Fusion Paintings, Video

I seek to create work that transcends its source to form a new reference to a visionary landscape. The power of the natural environment is a continuing source of inspiration. I create layered landscape images with multiple realities that progress from the real into abstraction and a fusion of the two. They are expanded visions of the earth. I seek sites that carry a primeval power. Although images are site specific, they must also speak to a greater vision of place. Digital Fusion paintings resulting from the capture of a video frame use computer technology as a starting point and are realized through hands on manipulation. The surfaces are transformed by drawing, acrylic and glass particle collage resulting in a luminous translation that speaks to its moving image origin. I am most interested in the quality of light as a structural element. The paintings are a fusion of multiple realities that are birthed from video.

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Website: rosalindschneiderart.com

In Other Words essay: The Indelible Boldness of Rosalind Schneider

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